Thoughts on FanimeCon, E3, Anime Expo and San Diego Comic-Con

Credit: Nerd Reactor/Reinier Macatangay

Convention season in California is heating up! Many California-based con attendees have recently enjoyed WonderCon in Anaheim over the weekend. (Check our cosplay music video from the event here.) For a lot of those same people, FanimeCon in late May is next on the list.

Following FanimeCon, the public can attend the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) for the first time. E3 is considered the “Super Bowl” of the video game industry. Later on, standard hits such as Anime Expo and San Diego Comic-Con will also be on every nerd’s agenda.

Down below is a brief overview of the upcoming major California conventions.

Thoughts: If Northern California residents can only make one big convention without spending too much on travel, this is the one. FanimeCon slowly rose from a simple college-based gathering to one of the largest anime cons in the state. Plus, it is a 24-hour convention featuring nonstop gaming and videos, so there is always something to do. Fanime is a big anime con with a small atmosphere.

Thoughts: Some people argue the importance of E3 has lessened over the years. Companies can showcase their products through other means (usually online) or their own events. But, it is still a special convention. Receiving a badge used to be akin to being that one kid who received a chocolate factory ticket. The Entertainment Software Association is letting the rope open just a little bit for now.

Thoughts: No one denies AX is the biggest anime convention in California. The sheer number of people and events to attend make this a coveted stop for nearly everyone in the community. Critics might not care for the peak hours when it becomes shoulder-to-shoulder crowded. But, just map out a plan and give enough time to walk places. Also, it gets very hot, so choose appropriate cosplay.

Thoughts: SDCC is especially crowded, as it attracts a wider variety of people than the above cons. Still, the sheer magnitude of this event is something to see at least once. Rather than focus on one topic, SDCC offers panels and events relating to movies, television shows, video games and more. Its location by the ocean helps. On the negative side, those without a badge at this point will struggle to get inside.